Miri Hospital psychosocial rehab unit undergoes transformation
MIRI: The upgrading work for psychosocial rehabilitation unit in the Miri Hospital Psychiatry and Mental health department has recently been completed, with the handover ceremony by Lions Club of Miri Mandarin yesterday.
The upgrading project involved kitchen renovation works, construction of multipurpose hall and the installation of airconditioners.
Witnessing the handover, Lions Clubs International of District 308-A2 District Governor Kapitan Connie Loh Ming Hua praised the good work of Lions Club of Miri Mandarin for its contribution towards the Mental Health Centre.
“Through this project, staff members will be able to work in more conducive environment and we are thankful for the partnership we have with the management of Miri Hospital to make this project possible,” said Loh.
Meanwhile, Miri Hospital director Dr Jack Wong in representing the hospital extended his gratitude to Lions Club of Miri Mandarin for making a difference to the society.
The physical improvement to the rehabilitation unit has certainly helped the institution, particularly in the rehabilitation process of patients with mental health disorders, he said.
“It is a stigma for everyone to be diagnosed with psychiatric illness. The society may not understand or support the psychiatric patients and therefore, choose to stay away from them.
“Our aim is to return as many psychiatric patients to the community as possible and help them live a normal life with the support of family members and community. Thus, in the process, we need to upgrade the infrastructure and facilities and most importantly, we need community support and participation,” said Wong.
Wong added that psychiatric disorders are not all the same, of which some can be treated with intensive care, support and medication.
Through community programmes and visits to the psychiatry unit, he hoped that such activities would promote social acceptance, reduce fear and eventually bring the best potential in patients with psychiatric illnesses.